Residents in Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town are being urged to plan ahead as the Cape Town Cycle Tour returns to the Peninsula on Sunday, 8 March, bringing large-scale road closures and heavy traffic volumes to the Far South, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Cape Town Cycle Tour / Instagram
The internationally recognised event is expected to draw around 25,000 cyclists, transforming major routes into a moving ribbon of riders for much of the day.
Several stretches of Main Road (M4) will be closed or experience delays as the race passes through coastal neighbourhoods, as outlined in coverage carried by False Bay Echo.
Now in its 48th edition, the Cape Town Cycle Tour is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest timed mass-participation cycling events.
Each year, cyclists from across South Africa and abroad descend on Cape Town to take on the scenic Cape Peninsula route, a ride that blends endurance with some of the city’s most striking views.
In 2026, participants will once again choose between the full 109km route or a shorter 42km course, both winding through iconic landmarks before finishing in the city bowl.
This year’s event also marks a milestone for the race, which will join the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, a global calendar of more than 35 premier cycling events.
That addition opens the door for qualifying riders to secure a place at the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, scheduled to take place from 26 to 30 August in Niseko, Japan.
To manage the scale of the event, the City of Cape Town and Cycle Tour organisers have coordinated traffic management and safety plans along the route.
Traffic officers and trained marshals will be stationed throughout the day to guide cyclists, motorists and pedestrians.
Road closures: Far South
Fish Hoek
- Main Road (M4), Clairvaux Road to Fish Hoek traffic circle: 5:45am – 12:50pm
- Main Road (M4), Fish Hoek traffic circle to Glen Road, Glencairn: 5:45am – 12:30pm
Simon’s Town
- Main Road (M4), Glen Road to Simon’s Town: 5:50am – 12:30pm
- Main Road (M4), Simon’s Town to Cape Point Nature Reserve entrance: 6am – 2pm
Residents are advised to factor in the closures when planning travel on race day. A comprehensive list of affected roads is available on the Cycle Tour’s official website.
For enquiries ahead of the event, residents can contact 087 820 7223 or email [email protected]. On race day, assistance will be available on 087 820 2453.
While the road closures may cause temporary inconvenience, locals are encouraged to step outside and support the riders as they pass through the Far South.
Live updates and behind-the-scenes coverage will be shared throughout the day on the Cycle Tour’s social media platforms, offering residents a front-row seat to one of Cape Town’s flagship sporting events.
Article shared by Cape Town Etc
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: If you loved this, you’ll love that: South African edition
